Sometimes, an opportunity arrives at a time when saying yes can be just as difficult as saying no. A decision that may seem straightforward from the outside can become much harder when work, family and money are all part of the picture.That is what makes Atul Nigam’s old travel story stand out. A memory from 1991, which he recently shared online, has sparked reactions from social media users after he recalled what happened when an international exchange opportunity clashed with his job.
How the Brazil opportunity came up
Foreign travel was expensive for Nigam at the time, so he looked for another way to experience life outside India. He applied for Rotary’s group study exchange program, which allowed selected participants to visit another country and learn about its culture.His first application was rejected. He applied again and was selected on his second attempt.But the selection came with a problem.Nigam recalled, “First time, rejected. But when I was finally selected the second time, my dream of visiting Brazil was about to shatter. My boss refused to give me leave.”
The decision he made
The programme required five weeks away from work. With his leave request refused, Nigam had to decide whether to let the opportunity go or step away from his job.He chose the second option.Explaining his decision years later, he said, “You don’t need money to travel the world. What you actually need is passion and courage. Even when I had little money in 1991, a house loan and a family to take care of, I quit my job just to travel to Brazil.”At the time, he had a home loan, two small children and little money.
Five weeks away from home
Nigam went ahead with the exchange programme and spent five weeks in Brazil.He later said, “For five weeks, I experienced some of the most incredible places in Brazil.”According to his Instagram post, the programme involved one week in London learning Portuguese before four weeks with four Brazilian families. He said all expenses were covered.
What happened to his job?
The biggest uncertainty came after the trip.Nigam did not know whether he would be able to return to his previous job. However, when he came back to India, his boss contacted him.“When I returned, my boss called me and said, ‘I never forwarded your resignation. You can come back to your job.’ But if I had not found the courage to resign and go, I may have never seen Brazil.”His resignation letter had remained with his boss.
The story resurfaces online
Nigam recently shared the experience on Instagram, where his bio claims that he has visited 32 countries.He wrote, “1991. A house loan, two small kids, and a boss who said no to 5 weeks’ leave. Rotary’s Group Study Exchange had rejected me once. When they picked me the second time, I wasn’t going to let it go. One week in London learning Portuguese, then four weeks living with four Brazilian families. All expenses paid. The only cost was my job. My boss kept the letter in his drawer.”He ended the post by asking, “Would you have quit?”
Social media reacts
The story drew reactions from users who focused on the decision he made.One person wrote, “Real OG personality.”Another commented, “This is so inspiring.”A third user said, “Amazing.”Another wrote, “This takes courage.”Disclaimer: This article is based on a social media post shared by the individual. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims made in the post.Thumb image: Instagram